Praiseworthy leadership in challenging times
This week, I had the opportunity to speak at a three-hour seminar for the leadership team of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania. What a fantastic group of people! This group is highly competent, committed, and compassionate. Thousands of families in our area benefit from the services they provide. I considered it a great honor to share some encouraging words with these hard-working people.
During the presentations, it was my hope and responsibility to uplift, encourage and inform leaders who have been on the front lines of providing services for people with disabilities. Like many, COVID makes their jobs very difficult. One could sense the pain in their eyes when they discussed the agony of many clients who have been quarantined for long periods during the pandemic. Like many organizations, they are struggling to find enough employees to help provide services to those with disabilities in our area.
Well into the seminar, we embarked on a discussion that blew me away. The people to whom I was speaking are leaders in all the various departments of this organization. Some are not directly involved with clients and were not trained to do so. They each had different areas of expertise.
However, during the discussion, it was brought to my attention that every leadership team member received training to work directly with clients and was ready to do so at a moment’s notice during this challenging period. This training included the CEO of the organization!
Who does that?!
Leaders who are genuinely dedicated to their mission are all about people, not projects or bottom lines; that’s who.
This observation brings me to some leadership lessons that this group exhibited. I call these Praiseworthy Leaders.
Praiseworthy leaders are humble. Humility is the foundation of good leadership, and this group exhibits this quality in great measure. It is impressive what outstanding accomplishments can happen when people are not concerned with developing a “known” reputation or being the boss. When the leader of the organization can and will clean toilets on occasion, followers are endeared. “This person does not ask me to do anything he/she is not willing to do, and in fact, does on certain occasions.”
Praiseworthy leaders are servants. In Christianity, this means the Lord of the Universe washes His followers’ feet. Jesus taught and exhibited the highest form of leadership of which many in power lose sight. “He who is chief among you will be the servant of all.” People like titles. Those words in front of or behind their name make them feel important. Tony Campolo used to teach that some people have a title. Some people have a testimony. People with testimonies make better leaders.
Funny, I earned a Doctorate many years ago. I rarely used those letters after my name. It made me feel uncomfortable in many situations. Sometimes it was an asset, but often, not. I used to jokingly tell people that this title won’t even get you a cup of coffee. People don’t invite you to Starbucks because you have a title; they ask you because they like you. And if they like you, they are more apt to work with you and follow you.
Praiseworthy leaders don’t lose sight of those whom they and their organization are serving. As I wrote sermons for so many years, I would picture several people from different walks of life and at various levels of Christian understanding as my message recipients. Anyone can talk to knowledgeable people, but it takes a masterful teacher to explain profound truths to uniformed seekers. It was very important to me to communicate well to a person who just walked through the church doors for the first time.
In my opinion, the CEO of an organization is only as good as how well the lowest person on the totem pole does their job. In this organization, every person, both clients and employees count. I applaud UCP and many other non-profit organizations in our area who are going above and beyond to provide valuable services. If you get a chance, thank one of them for their dedication.
I would also add that these principles apply aptly to any kind of leadership including parenting. A father, mother, or caregiver who exhibits these traits will bring out the best in their children and create an environment where children grow and flourish.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
P.S. If these articles are helpful for you, please pass them along to your networks and ask them to subscribe at www.donmarkhamilton.com. I would greatly appreciate it.
